SHUTTLE - Shuttle SN85G4 SFF (nForce3 150) Review

The SN85G4 is Shuttle’s latest creation based on the nVidia nForce3-150 chipset. The nVidia nForce3-150 chipset offers support for the Athlon64 line of processors, as well as DDR RAM spec’d up to PC3200 operating in Single Channel mode. However, there is no SoundStorm support native to the chipset. Still, as is commonplace with most modern SFF solutions, the SN85G4 is a feature complete solution with everything needed to get started with the exception of processor, memory, and drives (hard drive and CD-ROM). The SN85G4 boasts the following integrated components: 2 ATA-133 ports; 2 SATA-150 ports; 4 USB 2.0 capable ports; 2 IEEE-1394a capable ports; integrated NVIDIA 10/100 Ethernet; 6 channel audio featuring S/PDIF in/out ports; 6-in-1 flash memory card reader; and serial, parallel, and PS/2 port support.

…Up to this point, we have told everyone that the Intel Pentium4 is the processor to beat. Now though, the Athlon64 has definitely given us a wakeup call. The Shuttle SN85G4 is blazingly fast, and well designed while still only occupying the small footprint of the SFF PC form factor.

As always, there were some oversights and shortcomings with the system though. With this model, Shuttle chose to redesign their XPC system case. The case is a lot less modular than their previous models, leading to more headaches when attempting to remove system components. Specifically, the primary drive cage is bolted in to the case and is not removable. Also, the PSU selected has an exhaust fan that exhausts heat directly in to the path of the I.C.E. air flow path. This can lead to higher CPU temperatures as well as limiting your ability to overclock the system. All in all, this might have some impact on the more casual system builder or someone new to the trade, but overall the case design changes should not really be and issue with any enthusiast worth this salt.